Route detail Overview                           A pleasant wander along narrow suburban paths before reaching open countryside and views over the Severn Estuary. Either side of your walk take time out to explore the majestic Cadw owned Chepstow Castle. Distance:                           4.4 miles / 7km   Start Grid Ref:                  SJ 53498 94173 What Three Words:        https://w3w.co/encloses.daytime.essay Start Begin your journey at the entrance of the impressive Chepstow Castle, hovering on the banks of the wandering River Wye. Leaving the castle behind you, turn left onto Bridge Street before admiring the views over the beautiful architectural masterpiece of Chepstow Bridge. Following Offa’s Dyke Path, stroll up the stone walled path, turning right a little way up the avenue and leaving the gentle ascent for another day.  Meander along the high walled path, conjuring a sense of past times, port town piracy and seafarer shenanigans amongst the cliffs. Find your inner child adventurer, weaving up and down around the edge of the cliff behind current day townsfolk, with snippties of scenic splendour breaking through the green for watery views.  Travel along Beachley Road, crossing the rail bridge before turning right into Wyebank Avenue and then left to follow Offa’s Dyke Path along a leafy green lane, high top hugging the river as you head toward the Severn Estuary and gradually leaving the dwellings of a shipworkers garden city behind you. Fill your senses with the sea air as the hedgerow sheltered fields open up ahead and the 8^th century hand dug earthwork of Offa’s Dyke proudly lines your route that rises up toward Sedbury Cliff. Here you’ll find a monument stone to mark your achievement and turning your back to the waters, inspire your soul with thoughts of the adventure that lies between your feet and the other end of the 177 mile exploration. Before retracing your steps back to the Chepstow Castle and experiencing a different perspective, take a peek at the expansive Severn Estuary, its iconic bridge and out toward the world beyond. Notes/transport to the start Parking Parking available at Chepstow Castle or within one of the public car parks within Chepstow.   Bus n/a Train n/a General information www.visitmonmouthshire.com/places-to-visit/chepstow-in-monmouthshire.aspx

Route detail A journey of long gradual climbs and rolling descents, along quiet country lanes, stone tracks and through grassy fields. Much of the return follows a wonderful section Offa’s Dyke. Distance:            Circular:                    8.7 miles / 14 km Linear:                       5.3 miles / 8.4 km   Start Grid Ref:   Knighton:                  SO 28690 72253 Norton bus stop:    SO 30419 67041 What Three Words:                             https://w3w.co/bungalows.rich.tries Start Enjoy this walk either as an invigorating circular or take a bus to Norton for a linear journey back. For an immersive trip into the land of kings complement your adventure with a dip into the Offa’s Dyke Centre in Knighton. From the town centre cenotaph and with the hotel in front of you, travel left along Bridge Street, passing a garage shortly before bearing left alongside playing grounds and a school on your right. Immediately after the school turn right into Lon Farrington, meander with the road as far as the dingle and a clearly waymarked bridleway slightly to your left. A gentle incline leads your way ahead and to the brow of the hill, wander up a beautiful narrow bridleway and along a small country lane before breaking onto a stony track where the views open up and your climb rewarded. Reaching the brow and a small wooded area on your left, continue straight ahead, along a wonderful old track where the world falls away from your feet. The track dissolves into Meeting House Lane, passing a scattering of farms and dwellings nestled in the hillside and ahead, toward the village of Norton. When reaching the end of the lane, turn left on to the road, curling your way up to the village and a wander around the church grounds, which provide the perfect pitch for a refuel and capturing the soul of the community. If you’ve arrived by bus, walk up toward the church and begin your journey here. Take the small road directly opposite the church gate, admiring the memorial water trough along your way.  Leaving the village behind you, climb the stony track toward the woodland, continuing straight ahead, wrapping around the woodland on your right. As the track approaches Old Impton Farm, take the top route bordering the fields, following the waymarkers diagonally across the field toward a woodland track and bearing left onward to hilltop fields. Bear slightly right as you meet the brow of the hill and head toward the corner fingerpost, where your journey merges with the Offa’s Dyke Path. From here travel back up the fence line where you begin following the National Trail signs for the rest of your journey. Track across the hilltop and midway take a detour to the high point on your right, where you can rest amidst a cluster of trees and appreciate spectacular views from Hawthorn Hill before descending to meet the trail once again. Weave your way alongside Offa’s Dyke for the remainder of your gradual decent toward Knighton, passing through farmland fields, through hedges and marvelling at monuments before you fall into Knighton amongst the leaves of Great Frydd Wood. Stretch out your legs with an amble around the town and well earned refreshments. Notes/transport to the start Parking Parking available at Offa’s Dyke Centre or within one of the public car parks within the town. Bus From Knighton Bus Station on Bowling Green Lane to Norton bus stop Train n/a General Link to visitknighton.co.uk

Overview                          A pleasant outward journey along country lanes and narrow wooded pathways. Return along an undulating waterside wooded pathway, with a section of challenging bouldering or across open fields within a rolling landscape. Take time to appreciate fragments of the medieval church nestled within the nature reserve, one of the earliest within the Wye Valley, and visit the Cadw owned Chepstow Castle during your day. Begin your journey at the entrance to Chepstow Castle, hovering on the banks of the wandering River Wye ( Grid Reference: SJ 53498 94173) Leaving the castle behind you, turn left onto Bridge Street before admiring views from Chepstow Bridge, a beautiful architectural masterpiece defining the country border. A stone walled path entices you forward and frames your gentle ascent, leaving the river behind and meeting a road crossing at the top where your journey continues directly ahead. Leave Mopla Road as the road curves and where the route is softened by fields. Follow signs for Offa’s Dyke Path, passing on your right a ruined lookout tower or windmill and bluebell encrusted woodland to your left. Skirt around the walled gardens and toward the dominant Victorian dwelling ahead. At the end of the field take the path to the right, as it wraps in front of the property and dips beneath a garden bridge before reaching the road. Look out to views across the Severn Bridge as you turn left, cross the road and travel just beyond the bend, taking a small gate to a leafy path of Moyle Old School Lane. Continue ahead, carving your way along the quarry clifftop, reaching Wintours Leap viewpoint where the world falls away from your feet. From here follow the road around to the left and take the side road ‘Lancaut Lane’ toward the Lancaut and Ban-y Gor nature reserves. Drop down from the lane at the finger post to Lancaut church, wandering along the woodland path, past the lime kilns where the top path meanders onwards to the edge of the wood, through a field before reaching the small captivating cluster of buildings at Lancaut. Pass through the gate at the top of the field and head diagonally downhill, toward a gate that meanders to the church for a flood of medieval memories of a now lost village, once filled with fisher folk. Here your journey can take two differing returns, either through a woodland path along the waters edge or through open fields for expansive views of rolling hills. If returning along the old fisherman’s path on the waters edge, drop below the church, passing the ruins of Fish House cottage and follow an adventurous path of occasional steep slopes and a boulder scree scramble. Feel like an Astec explorer beneath the cathedral cliff face and rejoin Offa’s Dyke Path at the wrap around pathway of the Victorian mansion before retracing your steps back to Chepstow. If returning across cliff top landscapes, take the path upwards, climbing above the church, past the levelled platforms of the lost medieval village and back toward the lime kilns. Here retrace your steps to the left, along Lancaut Lane, to the car park and beyond to the road junction. At the junction head right, slightly downhill and, following the road just beyond the Wintour Leap viewpoint and your previous entry onto the road, to the Offa’s Dyke Path waymarked narrow pathway nestled between houses on the left. Continue across two fields, dissected by a farm track. Side step your route through the gate on your left, avoiding the narrow path leading to houses to your right, and continue right along the hedge line toward open fields, following the track to the right of the next hedge until reaching the country lane. (2) For a wow detour take a peek at the 5 mile traffic free Wye Valley Greenway and it’s 1080m Tidenham Tunnel. Returning to where you left off, meander right toward Tutshill along the country lane a short distance and follow the Gloucestershire Way into the field to your right where a track runs parallel with the lane.  Follow the track downhill toward the farm, skirting around the buildings before open fields blend into dwellings and enticing narrow pathways. As you emerge turn right toward the road and head left, past the bus stop and community centre, bearing right into Mopla Road until you meet your outward journey and retrace the early steps back to the bridge and the castle cluster. Other things to note:

• Lots of food and drink outlets in Chepstow
• Highlights – Chepstow Castle , Old Chepstow Bridge, Wintours Leap viewpoint, riverside interpretation alongside River Wye in Chepstow, Lancaut Church

Route detail Overview                           Blending Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk, leave urban bustle for wooded paths, country lanes and waterside wanderings along the riverbank, enjoying a great leg stretch for spectacular views from the summit of Kymin Hill followed by a visit to the Kymin Round House and Naval Temple.   Distance:                            7 miles / 11 km   Start location:                  Shire Hall, Monow Street, Monmouth Start Grid Ref:                  SO 50771 12844 What Three Words:        w3w.co/racetrack.deciding.untruth     Start

• Begin your travels from the Shire Hall at the top of Monow Street. With your back to the hall, turn right and as the road begins to curve turn right along Church Street, a narrow street lined with small shops. Following signs for Offa’s Dyke Path, turn right into St Marys Street and at the end left into St James Street briefly before turning right and heading toward the subway, up and over the bridge, to leave the town behind.

• Climbing away from the hubbub of activity follow the pavement along a leafy roadway, crossing the road to pick up a pathway running parallel but just above the road. Emerging from the trees the country lane guides you onwards and upwards toward the hillside woodland and the Kymin.

• An idyllic wooded leg stretch, passing through the Woodlands Trust owned Beaulieu Wood, brims with wildlife and as it hits the National Trust managed land, springs into an open vista with soaring views over Monmouth and the surrounding countryside. The 18^th century Round House and Naval Temple, which celebrates some of the greatest British admirals and victories of the time, provide the perfect backdrop for a pause and picnic, just as it had many centuries ago.

• Leaving the hilltop delight, pass through the car park and follow a wooded path toward fields and a stone track that leads gradually downward, meeting a country lane and at the junction turn right toward roadside cottages, nestled in the valley.

• Approaching the bridge, take the sign posted track to the left and make your way behind houses as they hover above the road and drop down into Redbrook, grabbing supplies from the village shop as you go. Sitting on the River Wye the town was once bustling with industrial activity, for many hundreds of years filled with blast furnaces for copper and iron smelting, corn and paper mills and lastly, the manufacture of the finest hand rolled tinplate sheets, known as ’taggers’, in Europe. ​

• Having explored the village and the old railway river bridge, pick up the long distance path of the Wye Valley Walk, linking your route near the rail bridge crossing and just before a small grassy seating area next to the football pitch.

• A wonderful waterside return clings to the riverbank, where river folk float, wildlife flourish and on the outskirts of Monmouth engineering marvels hover overhead in the form of old rail bridges and the Monmouth Viaduct.

• Follow the river to the cricket ground and meet your outward journey, where you retrace your steps back over the Wye Bridge, beneath the road and through the streets to where you began.

Route detail A gentle and pleasant walk bridging the Welsh, English border with view of the majestic hilltop Montgomery Castle and views of faraway Shropshire hills.   Distance:                            3 miles / 4.8 km   Start location:                  Public car park at the entrance to Maldwyn Way (on B4385 leading toward Bishops Castle) Start Grid Ref:                  SO 22472 96297 What Three Words:        w3w.co/nuns.vowed.half Start

• From the town edge car park, bordering playing fields, make your way toward the town centre. With Montgomery's Town Hall, an exceptional example of a large Georgian Town and Market Hall built in 1748 to the design of William Baker of Audlem. At the end of Broad Street on your left, turn right onto Church Bank and if joining the route in the town centre, blend your journey here.

• Explore the church grounds, with its sunken entrance path and grassy banks towering above, pass the church and just before leaving the churchyard take a look at the unassuming Robbers Grave of John Davies, wrongly accused and hanged, he claimed to have declared that no grass would grow on his grave for a hundred years as a sign of his innocence.

• Leaving the church grounds turn right and almost immediately head downwards to meet Church Bank, passing Heale House and the school, and onwards until reaching Chirbury Road. Follow the pavement to your right, passing the fire station and heading toward the edge of the town.

• As fields replace dwellings, turn right onto Lymore Park Lane and look upward to the castle, hovering on the hilltop. In fields to your left capture remnants of Middle Age earthworks of ridge and furrow farming. Approaching the lake and as the road curves to the right, turn left toward the red house and cross the field between the house and the trees, toward the far right hand corner where a stile takesyour route into the adjoining field.

• Follow the treeline with the stream to your right and onwards to further fields, joining the National Trail to the right where views of the Shropshire hills open up to your left as you balance your border wanderings along Offa’s Dyke Path.

• Meeting the road, leave Offa’s Dyke Path and turn right into the late 17^th century Lymore Park, a well-preserved and attractive deer and landscape park, set on rolling ground with its scattering of ancient oaks and earthworks of what were previously ponds amongst the woodland.

• Shortly after the farm buildings and with a pond to your right, leave the road to follow a bridleway with its avenue to trees back toward the car park and toward the small town with a big history, where time seems to stand still but there’s much to discover.

Route detail Leafy lanes, hilltop fields and grassy pathways provide a backdrop to a route of many options, with wonderful dips into borderland heritage and hilltop views of rolling landscapes.   Distance:    Long               8.4 miles / 13.4 km Medium         5.7 miles / 9.2 km Short              3.8 miles / 6 km   Start location:                  Newcastle on Clun community hall Start Grid Ref:                  SO 24963 82330 What Three Words:        w3w.co/upholding.corded.starters   GPX link:                            Separate gpx files   Start

• From the nucleus of the community hall in Newcastle on Clun by turning right onto Mill Road and with the school on your left, bear right onto Church Road.

• Leaving the village behind you, pass the old school and take time to explore the church as it hovers above the road. Built in 1848 the welcoming hammer and beam roofed church has a fantastically tempting swivel turnstile lychgate that’s too good to resist.

• Continue your travels along the lane and, just past the junction next to the roadside cottage, pick up Offa’s Dyke Path as steps climb to the field and hillside beyond. Greet the fingerpost marking the mid way point of the National Trail and appreciate valley views with scattered civilisation before revelling a rollercoaster leg stretch as you dip and then rise high along the spiny earthwork of Offa’s Dyke.

• Follow hillside contours to meet the road, passing over a stone track (1) along the way. At the road junction turn left and immediately right, walking beneath cottage windows head upward, bearing right into the leafy canopy. Emerging from the shelter, drop down to the grassy track to meet the country lane (2).

• Bear left at the corner and, as you leave the National Trail, pick up the Shropshire Way as it gently wraps around the hillside. Wander onward for a short section of road that blends into sunken track before melting once again into a string of fields and across the Cefns, for a ridgeline ramble filled with skylarks and scenic views.

• Remain on the Shropshire Way until the path creeps between a leafy avenue and at the bottom, turn right along a magical sunken ancient byway that transports you to another time, preparing for your arrival and delve into your senses at Whitcott Keysett, a small village brimming with heritage wonder.

• Returning to present day, leave the village to your right and along Mardu Lane, passing roadside cottages and Hollybush Farm, until a narrow lane pulls away to your left as it fords a stream. Climb the lane and turn left at the top, passing the Graig (3), where the lane becomes an enticing grassy pathway and then stone track, leading back toward Newcastle. Bringing you to your outward travels, the stone track crosses your earlier link with Offa’s Dyke Path. Cross the path above the cottage and drop down to the road, passing the church for a wander back into the village.

• For a hill fort detour, take the track next to the church gates, remaining on the right of way until the gateway with the hilltop rising high above. Climb the hedge line to the hill fort plateau to fully appreciate the arching bony earthwork of Offa’s Dyke on the opposite hillside.

• Medium route – Follow the journey as above until (2). Meeting the road, turn right for a short distance and as the road curves pick up the right of way to drop down through the field, hugging the hedge as you descend. At the bottom of the field carve your way around the bowl of the hillside to link with a grassy track, passing an old building as you fall to the road. Turning right follow the lane downhill, across the country lane and almost immediately greeting another, turn left for a few steps before turning right along a lane that leads upward, to wrap around the hillside where it joins the long route at the Graig (3).

• Short route – Follow the long route until (1). Travel along the stone track toward the right, as it clings to the hillside and blends into an immersive woodland path. Leaving the leafy rooftop continue ahead where your journey links with the long adventure at the Graig (3).

Route detail Overview                        A leisurely incline along a disused rail line followed by gradual climbs through wooded paths, country lanes and short exhilarating ascents to reach narrow hillside pathway along parts of the return journey. Distance short:             5.9 miles / 9.4 km medium:       6.5 miles / 10.3 km linear:            4.6 miles / 6.7 km Start Grid Ref:               SJ 06435 82961 What Three Words:        https://w3w.co/crossing.attend.inherits Begin your adventure on the corner of the market grounds, opposite the bus station on Gas Works Lane. Turning your back on the town centre head along a narrowing street, which peters away, blending into a cycle track. Taking the path to your left meander your way between housing toward the start of the wonderful traffic free Prestatyn to Dyserth Way that forms part of the longer North Wales Path and lose yourself in thoughts of the past, along the old railway line that is now a wonderful wildlife corridor filled with hubble bubble banter from friendly passers by. Allow plenty of time to indulge in nibbles at the path side cafes and take time out to explore the wonderful Y Shed at the heart of Meliden, where an old stone building is now a community hub with café, shop and exhibition space. Leaving the embrace of Prestatyn and its outlying settlements, enjoy views over coastal communities and gentle reminders of previous engineering escapades amongst the rocky outcrops. Cling around the National Trust Graig Fawr hillside and, for the short route option, at the road bridge leave the old rail line and venture upward on a path wrapping its arms around the hillside, through bluebell woodland until you reach the top and the gate set in the stone wall. (1) For spectacular panoramic coastal views take a detour along the hilltop and toward the trig point before retracing your steps to this stony wall fingerpost. If taking the longer routes options, continue along the old railway line where the serenity of wildlife commands a depth of ownership for this historic rural ribbon. (2) Passing beneath the next stone bridge, climb the steps to the left, leaving the path and bearing right to join a beautifully narrow country lane, continuing ahead and upwards at the staggered crossroads until you reach the stone wall finger post and meet the short route option (1) Here take the detour across the hilltop toward the trig before picking up at this point again. As both routes merge, follow the road a short distance to the village of Bryniau and, as the road forks, turn left to pick up Offa’s Dyke Path which soon dips away into meandering woodland paths. As the trees gradually fall away the full expanse of Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve opens up, revealing hilltop coastal views of your route ahead. Clinging to the hillside meander through golden gorse, marvel at the dinky dwelling and climb high before descending toward the warmth of the sea, along an avenue of golden waymarkers welcoming you into the community and celebrating your achievement. Head out to the coast and the Offa’s Dyke Path monument stone before dipping our feet in the sea, remaining here or heading back into town for a well earned refuel. For a longer route option take the old railway line all the way to Dyserth and drop down to the lower town to explore the Dyserth Waterfall and its network of community routes before rejoining the railway line and on your return, leaving the path at the stone bridge to pick up on the middle distance route option (2). Alternatively, If you fancy a linear exploration, take a bus to Dyserth High Street and head upward along the road until you reach the start of Dyserth to Prestatyn Way, leaving the old rail line at the stone bridge (2). Notes/transport to the start Parking Parking available within public car park, near the rail station, in the centre of Prestatyn. Bus Take a bus to Dyserth for a linear route that takes in the return along the old railway line to the stone bridge where it picks up the middle route navigation. Train n/a  

Route detail Travel across fields and country lanes with a number of route options, where the dive into cultural distance travelled extend far beyond the physical distance. Plan your walks around a visit to White Castle, the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses built to control the border. Distance:    Llanvetherine circular          2.2 miles / 3.6 km Tre-Rhew circular                  1.9 miles / 3 km Combined circular                3 miles / 4.7 km   Start Grid Ref:                  SO 38003 16862 What Three Words:        w3w.co/tides.socialite.lodge Start

• From the car park at White Castle make your own adventure by walking either a single route or combing the routes to make a larger circular or figure of eight.

• For the White Castle to Llanvetherine circular – Facing the castle gateway take the path to your right signposted Offa’s Dyke Path and around its boundary along a leafy section. Reaching an open field follow the hedge line, turn right behind Duke’s Barn and through the gateway in the parallel field. Follow a well trodden grassy path as it drops downhill and toward a gate before gently climbing through fields toward the road at Llanvetherine.

• Turn right at the road and wander through the quiet village, where you leave Offa’s Dyke Path and instead continue along the road, continuinge your journey over the bridge before dipping away from the road on your right and joining the Three Castles Walk.

• Crossing the field head over the footbridge (1) to the remains of the Great Tre-Rhew Mill, once provider of vital supplies of flour to the garrison. Returning to present day, take the stile to the right of the bridge, heading uphill for faraway views. Travel across fields to reach a stone track sheltered amongst trees and reappear at the White Castle car park.

• For the Great Tre-Rhew Mill, Farm and Vineyard circular – With your back to the castle grounds, leave White Castle via the leafy lane heading left from the car park, signposted Three Castles Walk. As the lane flows into a series of fields appreciate hilltop valley views and distant hills before dropping down to the brook and Great Tre-Rhew Mill. Turn right over the footbridge (1) and cross five fields. Before reaching the road, pass Great Tre-Rhew Farm whose buildings originate from the 17^th

• Arrive at the country lane, turn right over the little bridge and ensure you leave enough time to dip into the Three Castles Vineyard. Once you’ve absorbed its delights, continue your journey and climb the country lane back to White Castle, bearing right at the first junction and again as the road reaches White Castle Cottage, arriving back at the car park.

• For a wider loop that encompasses both of the shorter loops – continue as above and toward Llanvetherine, dropping away from the road along the Three Castles Walk. At the footbridge (1) turn left to follow the tree line and the waters edge and before leaving, dip over the brook to take a look at the mill remains and return over the bridge.

• Wander along the waters edge, crossing fields to reach the country lane and White Castle Vineyard, before climbing the lane back to White Castle. Originally a wood and earth structure, todays magnificent castle is defensive structure surrounded by a steep-sided water filled moat, now consumed by flurries of wildlife.

Pleasant routes through farmland fields, country lanes and woodland paths, with a riverside return toward the town beneath a spectacular towering aqueduct.  Take a break and grab some refreshments en-route at Chirk Castle, or dip into this National Trust gem either side of your walk. Distance  long:              6.3 miles / 10 km medium:        6.7 miles / 10.7 km short:             5.3 miles / 8.5 km (1 April – 30 Sept only) Start Grid Ref:               SJ 28737 37540 What Three Words:     https://w3w.co/habit.unwound.flattered     Start   Having absorbed the delights of Caffi Wylfa head off by turning right onto Castle Road and dipping down toward canal path just before the roundabout. Hover briefly over Chirk Aqueduct before turning back and diving into the darkness of the 421m long Chirk Tunnel. Emerging into the daylight leave the canal path up and over the bridge into the opposite woodland, meandering a myriad of paths that lead through a gateway to a path dissecting the field toward the road. (1) Here your journey breaks, heading right along the road for the long route and straight ahead onto the grassy parkland of Chirk Castle for both the short and medium routes.   If taking the longer scenic route, continue along the road until it curves left where a waymarker guides your ambles toward the right and pass through two fields before crossing a country lane. Dipping into dairy farmland head diagonally, beyond the right of the farm, to pick up a stone track and follow this until it meets the staggered crossroads. Continue ahead, sweeping the outskirts of parklands, where the castle stands proud on its prominent mound and your journey blends with Offa’s Dyke Path.   Follow the National Trail waymarkers, leaving the road at the corner, up and over the brow of the hill before dropping down between woodland shelter, along a stony lane and passing dwellings as they cling to the hillside.  Descending to the road, continue ahead over a bridge and a short climb before turning left at the junction where you part with Offa’s Dyke Path and pick up your travels along Llwybr Maelor Way as far as Bronygarth.   Approaching the far end of the village and passing over the stone bridge, make your way down into the dingle of Pentre Wood where a wild garlic carpet fills your senses and cushions the woodland floor. Falling toward the river you leave the enchantment and flow along the river banks, pausing briefly to cross the bridge and take the waymarked route into field on the right to meander alongside the river, passing beneath the engineering marvel of the aquaduct as it towers high above. Leaving the field cross the road, taking the grassy path slightly to your left to climb above the river, emerging in the town and travelling along Castle Street to return where you began. If your travels head into the parklands on the shorter routes, follow the green waymarked route directly ahead for a short distance, veering right at the next marker post and diagonally across the field to the corner gate. Here pick up the blue route and almost double back along a well trodden path and into the woodland via a wooden gate for dappled light meandering and bathing amongst the leaves. Shortly before the end of the wood follow the path to the right for a short distance, pass through a gate and take the gravel path to your right, skirting around fields and Deer Park woodland to your left. The path guides the way toward the castle, weaving through the woodland as is hovers above the road. Approaching the castle where turrets hover above and then drop toward the car park. At the bottom of the castle entrance your route splits (2), through the gate for seasonal access to the short summer route or via the car park for the all year middle distance route.   Short route – passing through the gate follow the track, downward toward the pedestrian gateway and ahead into the field before picking up a steep woodland path meandering its way to meet the road where it reconnects with the other routes (4)   Medium route – from the carpark hug the fence line and continue ahead, along the red route, across parkland before meeting Offa’s Dyke Path as it reaches the road and blends with the long route navigation (3).     Notes/transport to the start Parking Parking available at Caffi Wylfa, or nearby roadside parking.   Bus n/a   Train Chirk rail station is a five minute walk from the cafe. Alternatively the walks can be met at the exit of Chirk Tunnel which lies next to the rail line.   General The community Caffi Wylfa provides the perfect venue to start/end your wandering, whatever the weather.  

Straddle the border on this walk of wonders. Offa’s engineers took a short cut to meet their King’s demands, marking the mineral wealth of Llanymynech as Mercian by building on the ramparts of a much earlier and massive Iron Age fort. The Romans were first to mine here, pre-dating Offa’s engineers by some margin. But Victorian engineering surpassed them all, cutting these steep cliffs and building canals and railways to remove their spoils.

This walk takes you on a circular route which links the towpath with celebrated footpaths in this area. Head north along the
Montgomery canal from Arddleen to Four Crosses. Here, join the Offa’s Dyke path, heading south through open farmland
to join the Severn Way. Rejoin the canal towpath at Pool Quay and pass by Burgedin Locks before entering Arddleen.

• Full walk 11.5 miles / 18.5km
• Shorter walk via Pool Quay : 7.5 miles / 12km
• Shorter walk via Four Crosses : 7 miles / 11.2km

A great black hound with flaming eyes haunts the hills of Kington and is said to have inspired Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles. From Hergest Ridge you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of a post-glacial landscape. A curious dog’s leg in the line of Offa’s Dyke on Rushock Hill leads you to the highest 18-hole golf course in England. But don’t play around or the dog will get you!

Check out PDF for details of shorter route and additional links.

This 6.5 mile route starts near the Railway Station (grid reference SJ 285 378) and links Chirk with Chirk castle, Offas Dyke National Trail and the River Ceiriog.

'The walk takes you through many areas of scenic beauty, making the walk worthwhile and enjoyable in all seasons.

It should be noted that this route may be muddy in places and suitable footwear is recommended. There are also stiles, steep slopes and busy roads to negotiate. The route is not suitable for wheelchairs, buggies or small children.

Note - Between 1st of October and 31st of March please use the alternative route which bypasses Chirk Castle

Parking

There is limited on-street parking near the Railway Station.

Public Transport

There are regular services at the start of this walk. Please call 01978 266166 for bus information or see our online bus timetables.

Map

Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 255 & 256 covers the area but the extract supplied will be all you need for the walk.

So close to Knighton, at the edge of Offa’s kingdom, this challenging walk reaches the Dyke at its most impressive. If that’s not enough reward, the views surely are. In the crystal clear skies of spring the snow-capped mountains of Wales glitter on the horizon. Closer to your feet, the castellated ramparts of Knucklas viaduct echo the legendary defences of Arthurian Knucklas Castle.

See PDF below for shorter route

Explore the Monmouthshire countryside on foot, horse or mountain bike for a great family day out.

Enjoy spectacular views towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, keep your eyes peeled for lots of wonderful wildlife, and discover hidden heritage on the 5.5 mile Tread and Trot Trail.

Dating back to 1627 the magnificent Treowen House is a must see on this trail and may be the tallest house in Monmouthshire. It’s definitely a landmark in the landscape. 

Like visiting castles? Stop off at the ruins of Dingestow Castle, one of over 400 castles in Wales. 

Download the Tread and Trot Trails for a great interactive experience for the whole family, or see the route on Viewranger.

See the Visit Wales website for more information and other ideas for great walks and things to do in Wales.

A circular walk from the village of Graigfechan, which links to Offa's Dyke Path National Trail and takes in views of the Vale of Clwyd and beyond.

This lovely circular walk takes you through the beautiful countryside of churchstoke, through woodlands and nature reserves walkers will be able to see everything from the remains of the Iron Age hillfort as well as the quarry and mining near Todleth Hill.

• Distance: 8.8km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This interesting circular walk takes you through the town of knighton, showing all the historic houses that the town has to offer some dating back to the 17th century.

• Distance: 2km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This beautiful circular walk takes you through the countryside of llanymynech, taking walkers along a canal, next to the remains of a hillfort and through a golf course.

• Distance: 6.6km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This lovely circular walk takes you through Llanymynech Lime Works heritage Centre. Then on upto the view point on Llanymynech Rocks for some beautiful views of the countryside.

• Distance: 4km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This scenic circular walk takes you through the farming fields of Montgomery east, from the remnants of ridge and furrow farming from the middle ages to boardyhall wood past lymore lodge and current farm buildings.

• Distance: 5km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This wonderful circular walk takes you through the interesting countryside of Montgomery west, along side the remains of a castle and through the beutiful woodlands in Montgomery.

• Distance: 2.5km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This lovely circular walk takes you through the small village of New Radnor, this lovely walk goes along side a farm that dates back to the 16th century and other historic buildings from churches to a motte and bailey. 

• Distance: 1.6km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This long scenic circular walk takes you through the beautiful countryside of presteigne, This country walk has much to offer from a medieval earthwork castle in the woods to a post medievel rabbit farm.

• Distance: 16.2km

For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps

This historic circular walk takes you through the town of Presteigne, from medieval mansions to St Andrews Church that has some 10th century Saxon stonework, 14th century nave and fond and 16th century tapestry. Distance: 2.3km For more Archaeological Information on this town including a map with interactive pointers please click the link: CPAT Maps  

The stunning 6 mile Llangollen History Trail starts in Llangollen, visiting several historic landmarks such as Horseshoe Falls. Some sections can be challenging with stiles, kissing gates and steep stairs.

Renowned for the surrounding hills and the River Dee, Llangollen has something for every visitor with its independent shops and places to eat, drink and stay to suit every budget. You can take a stroll along the Victoria Promenade to the Riverside Park for a picnic or watch the river tumble down beneath the bridge. This is a great base to explore the area and the Llangollen History Trail is one of the best ways to do it.

You can see the route in Viewranger here or Visit Dee Valley Walks for route directions.

See the Visit Wales website for more information and other ideas for great walks and things to do in Wales.

A choice of interesting circular routes which take in the Vale of Clwys, Moel Famau Country Park and Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. The routes pass a number of historic features, including the sites of eight abandoned farm houses, a magical holy well and the striking St Cynhafal's church

A choice of interesting circular routes which take in the Vale of Clwys, Moel Famau Country Park and Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. The routes pass a number of historic features, including the sites of eight abandoned farm houses, a magical holy well and the striking St Cynhafal's church

In winter’s snow the stone-throne in Candy Woods would be more at home in Narnia than Shropshire. But this land is as epic as Lewis’ fantasy. Offa’s Dyke marked out a border with Wales, later controlled by the Norman ‘Marcher Lords’ who built castles along it as mighty as Cair Paravel. And Mad Jack Mytton, who gambled away his inheritance here, once rode a bear into dinner and named his son Euphrates after his favourite racehorse. Did a Witch Queen freeze the horses’ heads?

A 6 mile walk from Monmouth up into King's Wood, using a section of Offa's Dyke Path, and returning through woodland and fields. Some steep sections and stiles.

A 5 mile circular walk between Llantilio Crossenny and White Castle using sections of the Three Castles Walk and Offa's Dyke Path. Fields, tracks and lanes with some stiles and slopes. Hogs Head pub is on the route.

A 5.8 mile circular walk taking in the Offa's Dyke path from Llanvetherine to Llangattock Lingoed, then returning through undulating farmland and ancient tracks around Tump Farm. Some stiles and several steep sections. Can be muddy when wet.

A 6.3 mile walk along the Offa's Dyke Path from Monmouth to Redbrook, returning along the River Wye on the Wye Valley Walk. There is a steep ascent to the Kymin Naval Temple.

This scenic circular walk takes you through the farming fields of Montgomery east, from the remnants of ridge and furrow farming from the middle ages to boardyhall wood past lymore lodge and current farm buildings. The route takes you through Lymore estate and onto a section of the Offa's Dyke Path.

The name ‘Newcastle on Clun’ should tell you all you need to know about this valley. The conquering hand of the Norman overlords controlling this corridor into the Welsh heartland is clear. But what of Offa? The intimidating Dyke across the Clun marked his territorial intentions. ‘I am King of Mercia, do not

defy me,’ it said. Farming in the valley may have erased the Earthwork’s crossing, but Fron Motte has stood the test of time. Its roots pre-date even Offa by more than a thousand years.

Please see PDF for shorter routes

A moderate 5.5 mile linear walk with one hard climb to Hergest Ridge, steeped in legend and with great views. Allow 3 hours.

A moderate 5.5 mile linear walk, with some climbs, leads to Rushock Hill where there are superb views across Herefordshire and Wales. The first part is on the Mortimer Trail, with frequent green and white waymarks to help you. The last part is on the Offa's Dyke Path, with the acorn (National Trail) waymarks to reassure you. Allow 3 hours.

An energetic 9.5 mile linear walk on bridleways and quiet lanes to Offa's Dyke Path then a steep climb over Herrock, across Rushock and Bradnor hills to descend into Kington.

A moderate 5 mile ramble through undulating countryside and walking alongside some of the finest stretches of the dyke and earthworks. Gentle climb out of Norton; the descent is fairly steeply into Knighton.

A moderate 5 mile walk from Knucklas with a steady climb to Bailey Hill to meet Glyndwr's Way which passes through hill country and through an old quarter of Knighton to the Narrows and Clock Tower.

A 3 mile walk along Offa's Dyke and through Kinsley Wood. A great way to sample Offa's Dyke Path without strenuous climbs. Howerver, you need sturdy boots for the downhill sections of path, some of which are steep.

The Hoffman Hike derives its name from the Hoffman Kiln, one of only three remaining 20th century lime burning kilns in Britain. The kiln, chimney and the distinctive Llanymynech Hill provide the backdrop to some wonderful landscape views, industrial heritage and wildlife habitats.

See PDF below for shorter/ additional routes

Selattyn Hill’s Bronze Age ring cairn, Victorian tower and World War II lookout start this walk through time. In few places along its 80-mile length does the 8th century earth bank and broad ditch of Offa’s Dyke tower so impressively. Only the distant view of the magnificent 14th century Chirk Castle can match it.

See PDF below for shorter route

Ty Mawr Country Park

Ty Mawr Country Park lies on the banks of the River Dee in the beautiful Vale of Llangollen, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area out Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ty Mawr has all the fun of the farm in a magnificent setting beneath the arches of the Cefn Viaduct. There are lots of animals you can meet at Ty Mawr such as donkeys, pigs, and goats. You can even feed our free range chickens and ducks or admire Carlos and Pedro the Llamas, who guard our sheep from foxes!

At Ty Mawr we do not use chemicals and pesticides on the land. That is why we have many species of wild plants and animals and in the summer our traditional hay meadows are full of colour. Why not take a gentle stroll down to the river, sit and relax and see if you can spot a salmon jumping!

Picturesquely situated beneath the dramatic Cefn Viaduct on the banks of the River Dee, Ty Mawr provides some of the best scenery around.

Whether it is to admire the view, to see the farm animals or to take a walk, you could bring a picnic and have a great family day out at Ty Mawr Country Park.

Walks around Ty Mawr

Why not take a longer walk along the riverside to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - recently designated a world heritage site - along the Cefn Heritage Trail or link up with the Offas Dyke National Trail?

The walks at Ty Mawr and some other parks have been 'calorie mapped' so that you can see how many calories you will burn on the walks. This information is on the map as you enter the park or available to download.

Events

Ty Mawr Country Park provides Events throughout the year which are for both adults and children. You can view or download a copy of our events programme.

New Barn Centre

The Barn at Ty Mawr has recently been refurbished and it now an excellent facility within the park. The rooms are regularly used for environmental education with visiting school groups, and for park events. They can also be hired for children's birthday parties, used for meetings, conferences, training courses and other community events. For further details contact Ty Mawr on 01978 822780, email tymawr@wrexham.gov.uk.

A moderate four and a half mile walk through woodlands and quiet country lanes, with one steep climb. Allow two to three hours. 6 stiles.

A relaxed, six mile walk on grassland, forest tracks and monor roads, taking around three hours.

A hilly nine and a half mile, linear walk, with stunning views along the hilltops between Knighton and Bucknell taking around five hours. 10+ stiles.

A flat, easy five mile linear walk along the Redlake and Teme Rivers between Bucknell and Leintwardine taking around two and a half hours. 5 Stiles.

A 5.5 mile walk along the edge of the spectacular Stiperstones then easy walking across a valley scattered with mining remains, taking 2 to 3 hours.

A seven mile walk up through woodland and forest, past relics of industry and gently back along meadows beside Minsterley Brook taking 3.5 to 4.5 hours

A 6.5 mile walk witha steady climb beside the Darnford Brook and along an ancient drovers road taking 2 to 3 hours.

A four and a half mile walk with a steady climb up onto Cothercott Hill where there are wonderful views, then along an ancient highway, taking two to three hours.

An undulating four and a half mile walk with tremendous views taking 3 to 4 hours.

A 4.5 mile walk with a steady climb up to Wenlock Edge and along the woodland ridge above Apedale taking 2 to 3 hours.

A leisurely, four mile walk across farmland and through woodland taking two to three hours. 14 stiles.

A challenging four mile walk on grassland and quiet lanes, taking in Bromlow Callow and Castle Ring fort, taking around two to three hours. 15 stiles.

A relaxed, four and a half mile walk over fields and quiet lanes, with one steep climb, taking between two and three hours. 15 stiles.

A bracing six and a half mile walk with steady climbs, from bishop's castle to Lydbury North crossing Oakeley Mynd, taking around three to four hours. 15+ stiles.

A moderate six mile walk following the Shropshire Way to Bury Ditches, taking three to four hours. 4 stiles.

Please see PDF for shorter route

A four mile walk around the lower slopes of Graig Hill, with wonderful views, taking around two and a half hours. 4-5 stiles

See PDF for alternate routes.

A hilly five and a half mile walk through meadows and woods, returning by the River Redlake taking around three hours. 6+ stiles.

Enjoy a tour around this Edwardian market town, through Rectory Wood to Carding Mill Valley. Allow two hours for the walk and plenty of time to explore.

Discover the secrets and hidden gems of "The Arms". Allow three to four hours with around two miles of leisurely walking, along the River Onny to Stokesay Castle

Ludlow offers a fine day out for all the family with a wide range of things to keep you busy. This leaflet includes some of the highlights of the town including a leisurely stroll along the river Teme with historical, architectural and geological interest, and the option of a longer walk to Bromfield.

See PDF for longer route.

Once a 'rotten borough' now a thriving historic market town; enjoy a day out soaking up the atmostphere and exploring the historic buildings and beautiful countryside.